top of page

Understanding White Noise: Frequencies in Normal White Noise

May 17, 2024

In our everyday lives, we constantly encounter various sounds, whether it's a busy city street, the hum of appliances in our homes, or simply the rustling of leaves in the wind. Amidst this auditory landscape, white noise stands out as a sound that is both calming and fascinating. But what exactly are the frequencies in normal white noise, and what makes them so special?


White noise, in its simplest definition, is a consistent sound produced by combining all frequencies at equal intensity. To understand this better, let's first review some basic concepts about sound and frequency.


Sound is a series of pressure waves that travel through a medium, such as air. The frequency of a sound wave is measured in Hertz (Hz) and represents the number of cycles that occur in one second. Humans can generally hear sounds within a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. As the frequency increases, our perception of the sound goes from low to high pitch.


Now, let's go back to white noise. When all the frequencies that humans can hear are combined and played simultaneously, they collectively create a sound known as white noise. This name is derived from the concept of 'white light,' which occurs when all the colors of the visible spectrum are combined.


The frequencies in normal white noise range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Since every frequency is played at the same intensity, white noise creates a unique masking effect that helps drown out other sounds. This is why many people find it helpful to sleep with a white noise machine or use white noise apps This is why many people find it helpful to sleep with a white noise machine or use white noise apps This is why many people find it helpful to sleep with a white noise machine or use white noise apps This is why many people find it helpful to sleep with a white noise machine or use white noise apps This is why many people find it helpful to sleep with a white noise machine or use white noise apps This is why many people find it helpful to sleep with a white noise machine or use white noise apps for concentration.


Another unique and somewhat counterintuitive property of white noise is that it can sound louder at higher frequencies. This is because human ears are more sensitive to higher frequencies. To compensate for this, some white noise generators To compensate for this, some white noise generators or apps might apply a filtering process known as 'pink noise,' which adjusts the intensity levels of different frequencies so that they sound more balanced to the human ear.


In conclusion, the frequencies in normal white noise span the entire range of human hearing, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, played simultaneously at equal intensity. This sound has unique properties that make it a popular choice for masking unwanted noises and promoting relaxation.


bottom of page